Emily Clark eclark@wickedlocal.com @emilyOCM

A layer of green fertilizer covers grass seeds on the Simes House lawn, creating the illusion of a green carpet. The icon of a bygone era looms in the sea of green, dazzling in the June sunlight like a mirage from the past. The Simes House, for all the drama it has generated, has revived from its 150-year-old slumber like Sleeping Beauty, kissed awake by a community that decided it was worth the effort to save.

The Simes House looks just as it did back in 1863 when Joseph A. Simes built the home at the height of a Civil War that pit American families against one another.

The stately home and its 200-acre spread were dubbed a gentlemans farm in the English sense of the term, and construction followed suit. It was an act of faith at a time when no one really knew which side was going to win.

Community Preservation Committee Chairman Bill Keohan leads a tour through the grounds and restored interior, noting that, back in the day, the Simes property extended all the way to Taylor Avenue and into downtown Manomet.

Italianate Gothic Revival is what the historians call the design, with its mansard roof, sweeping porch and massive windows. Simes was a Bostonian with a British flair, incorporating striped wood floors popular at the time across the pond, as well as English tile manufactured by the same company that renovated the United States Capitol Building in 1856. The original finish of much of the woodwork was relatively untouched in spite of 150 years, such was the glorious isolation of the Simes House at 29 Manomet Point Road. Most fireplace mantels and surrounds in old houses have suffered the indignities of countless paint jobs, but most of the Simes Houses mantels boast their original varnish, just as the crown moldings were relatively untouched.

Paint analyses were performed with the aid of microscopes to determine the precise colors of walls and the exterior, Keohan explained. The results include the brown exterior and an interior of dusty rose hues, an almost indefinable purple and a room with decidedly pink walls. The Victorian Era, for its serious reputation, was replete with vibrant colors and elaborate and intricate designs.

This project was about balance, about historical preservation and adaptive reuse thats functional and financially self sustaining, Keohan said. For the first time, the three components of the CPA are represented with historical restoration, housing and open space coming together in one project.

The story of the Simes House is a rescue story, because this historic home was a whisper from the wrecking ball back in 2010 when the town took the property in tax title. In 2011, Precinct 7 Rep. Randy Parker assailed Town Meeting with pleas, and the local legislature agreed to spend $1.5 million in Community Preservation Act funds to shore up the aging relic as repairs were made. The Simes House Foundation was given the reins of managing this work, and Vereika Construction restored the exterior.

Infighting on the Foundations board of directors, however, slowed things down and led to the historic project being handed back to the town, which has managed the subsequent restoration, armed with an additional $2.5 million in Community Preservation Act funds Town Meeting approved for it in 2015. Northern Construction is in the process of completing restoration of the interior of the building, which includes first floor conference and function rooms, two handicapped accessible bathrooms and an elevator.

Rooms feature floor to ceiling windows and fireplaces with wood mantels. The dining room boasts its original pantry with built-in drawers for cutlery and utensils. Space is available for a kitchen, but it will be up to the group that manages the property what type of kitchen. There has been such debate over this issue, Keohan said, the town determined the best approach was to leave it up to the management team.

The sweeping central staircase takes you to the second floor where four office spaces await. Fireplaces are, once again, features as well as more large windows that broadcast views of the grounds.

During renovation they installed new heating and electrical systems that are based on a computer system that is voice activated, Keohan said. And you can see that that technology is complimented by a fire suppression system, cooling systems and lighting systems that are best suited for the 21st century. Also, all the technology someone would need for the office space is here.

A second staircase to the third floor was added as a secondary egress to bring the two third-floor affordable apartments to code. And the rear staircases, used back in the day for servants only, have been preserved. One of these stairs, which climbs to the third floor, has been blocked off due to necessity, but the staircase remains as a blast from the past.

They were going to get rid of the stairs, Keohan said. But Pilgrim Hall Museum Executive Director Donna Curtain advocated that they be saved. The stairs tell a story of how people lived at the time and how people worked at the time.

The second floor also features a handicapped-accessible bathroom, kitchenette and break room. The organizations that will occupy the four offices will share a reception area, conference room and kitchenette. Keohan stressed that the building is energy efficient with all the technological hookups needed for todays business.

These are Class A office spaces, he added. So its kind of an interesting project where youre combining 1863 Abraham Lincoln with George Jetson.

The town is hoping to attract nonprofits with community-based services like veterans, seniors or housing organizations to rent these office suites.

Another set of stairs leads to the third floor where one-bedroom, affordable apartments feature recessed windows, galley kitchens and bathrooms with shower and bathtub. Applicants that meet the income restrictions will be able to put their names into a lottery for these units. While the states income guidelines for these rentals maxes out at a rent of $1,100 per month, Keohan said the organization that winds up managing the property can opt to reduce that price.

Rents collected from the offices and affordable units are designed to cover the cost of maintaining the building. A management company will oversee these aspects and the use of the Simes House.

The only entity that has responded to a request for proposals to manage the property is Manomet Village Common Inc., a local nonprofit organization formed last year with Advisory and Finance Committee Chairman John Moody as president. Selectmen have yet to award the management, Keohan said, but noted that this time the town will maintain ownership of the property and simply lease it to the entity for increments of five years at a time.

Another staircase beckons as Keohan gestures to a metal hatch above that leads to the widows walk atop the Simes House. Spectacular views greet the climber as Race Point and the Provincetown tower are clearly visible on this glittering June day. Its hard for Keohan to contain his excitement as he notes the powerful force behind this restoration project and Manomets new and glorious jewel.

It is a great example of a community getting behind a historical building that was scheduled to be demolished, Town Meeting members like Randy Parker who rallied the community, who asked Town Meeting not to tear the building down, Keohan said. The exciting thing about the Community Preservation Act is it gives the legislative body the ability to do some very interesting projects throughout the town. They come from the neighborhood up. The residents of Manomet wanted this to happen.

Follow Emily Clark on Twitter @emilyOCM.

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Restoration of the Simes House is complete - Wicked Local Plymouth - Wicked Local Plymouth

Armed with a deep rooted interest in history as well as years of experience in carpentry Dale Edlund, of Edlund Construction, was extremely excited to take on his latest log house restoration project at the Faribault County Fairgrounds.

There, Edlund's mission was to restore the Krosch Log House. This log house happens to be registered as a state historic building by the Faribault County Historical Society.

The Krosch Log House has vast historical roots as it was originally built during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln and in the midst of the Civil War. Constructed by Casper Lampman in 1862, the two-story pioneer farmhouse was moved to its current location in July of 1985.

Faribault County Historical Society president Bill Paul stands in front of the refurbished Krosch Log House.

The main goals for the Edlund Construction team was to get the chinking work completed in order to fill the gaps in between the logs. Applying a clear top coat over all of the exterior wood surfaces for weather protection was also a part of the restoration efforts.

Given its age, Edlund feels this particular log cabin has held up remarkably well through the years. This is not usually the case with restoration projects on cabins of similar age.

"The [log cabin] we did for the Crow Wing Historical Society in Brainerd, we actually tore down three walls and we had to duplicate about a dozen logs," said Edlund. "That cabin was actually built in 1868, so it was slightly newer than this one."

Edlund Construction spent a total of three days on the Krosch Log House, from June 14 through June 16. This included roughly 12 to 13 hour work days each day, all while battling the summer heat and humidity. Although Edlund admits battling the elements is difficult, he and his team planned their work strategically in an attempt to beat the heat.

"We start on the sunny side and just follow the shade around the building as we go. That helps minimize the tough conditions."

Dale Edlund, of Edlund Construction, remains hard at work with various log home restoration projects throughout his busy summer schedule.

Located in Richmond, Minnesota, Edlund has been a professional contractor for 30 years. It wasn't until 1999 that Edlund decided to specialize in log home restoration. As Edlund explained, he stumbled upon the idea of log cabin construction simply by talking to a buddy.

"About 18 years ago, a friend of mine asked if I would build a log house. I told him that I really didn't know how to do it, but I'll give it a try and that was it. Since then, we've done nothing but log houses."

Edlund Construction offers a wide variety of services that can help restore any log home to pristine condition. Half log construction, full log construction, planning and design services, and preliminary site visits and site evaluations are among the bevy of assignments conducted by Edlund construction during their log home projects.

In addition, the Edlund staff also specializes in turnkey construction, lot clearing, and driveways and culverts. Edlund Construction arranges for soil tests and also assists with septic design, landscaping, staining, painting, and caulking.

Up next for Edlund construction are four different refacing projects within the state of Minnesota. Rotten log replacement will be the main objective during these particular assignments. Although the majority of Edlund Construction's work is done in of Minnesota, the team does venture into parts of North Dakota and Wisconsin as well.

After the project was completed, Bill Paul, president of the Faribault County Historical Society, couldn't be happier with the finished product. He explained that moisture was affecting the integrity of the structure and that restoration of the cabin was sorely needed.

"Wasp nests and yellow jacket nests were collecting inside the cabin," Paul said. "We can't have that because we want visitors to enjoy the building. Dale [Edlund] did a very thorough job with the coating and chinking and he even chinked the end caps too. He did a phenomenal job."

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Working to preserve historic log cabin - Faribault County Register

LANSING Consumers tackling restoration of their homes damaged by recent flooding are urged today by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to first check online to verify the individuals and businesses they hire are legitimate.

Make sure you know up front who youre doing business with and trusting to work on your home, LARA Director Shelly Edgerton said. Consumer caution is the best way to help avoid problem situations or disputes.

Verify a Builder/Contractor License. Residential Builders and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors: An online license search is available at http://www.michigan.gov/licenselookup or by calling LARA's Bureau of Professional Licenses at 517-373-8068. Electricians, plumbers and mechanical contractors are licensed by LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes and must have a license that corresponds to the work to be done. Mechanical contractors also must have the proper license classification. To verify license information, go to http://www.michigan.gov/bcclicense or call 517- 241-9316. Consumers are also reminded to:

Ask the individual to show you his/her pocket card, which will contain the license number.

Ask for and verify references.

Get at least three written estimates to include detailed job specifications on the materials, labor, timeline, and total charges for the work. Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder.

Obtain a detailed written contract stating exactly what work will be done, the quality of the materials used, warranties, start and completion dates, total cost of the job, and a payment schedule.

Never sign a contract with blank spaces. Know your cancellation rights.

Protect yourself by asking the contractor, subcontractor, and suppliers for a completed and signed "waiver of lien" form. This may provide you additional protection should a subcontractor or material supplier place a lien on your home if the contractor doesn't pay the bills. This can happen even if you paid the contract in full.

Make sure your contractor is insured and carries personal liability, worker's compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask for copies of current insurance certificates. If the contractor isnot properly insured, you could be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.

Check with your property insurance provider for the extent of your coverage.

Avoid paying for the entire job upfront. Consider paying one-third in advance; one-third halfway through the job and the final payment upon satisfactory completion. Avoid paying with cash. Pay by check or credit card and get a receipt.

Keep good recordscopies of the contract, change orders, and correspondence.

Dont forget your permitif neededby checking with your local or state building department. The proper permits and inspections help to guard against defective work or costly mistakes. If homeowners plan on doing the work themselves, they are also responsible for obtaining building permits. MORE Information

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Beware of home restoration scams after flooding verify licensed contractors and legitimate businesses - Gladwin County Record & Beaverton Clarion...

EEBE PLAIN, Vt. (CBS) Brian DeMoulin inherited a home 30 years ago and is reluctantly putting it on the market.

Have a look at my stone house, he told CBS News. Theres the border post.

He also showed us what makes the residence so special.

This is the stairway that leads to the Canadian apartments, DeMoulin said.

You heard him right. His house is literally in two places at once: Beebe Plain, Vermont, and Stanstead, Quebec, Canada.

The tape on the floor in the upstairs room indicates approximately where the border runs through it. Selling a home that straddles two countries is proving to be quite a challenge.

Realtor Rosemary Lalime spoke with CBS News. She said her ideal homeowner has dual citizenship.

It makes it more difficult because I have to make sure they have the right customs papers to own the property, she said. Ive had calls from Lebanon, Ive had calls from Cuba, L.A. Most of the people are interested in a restoration project.

The historic home was built in the early 1800s as a place to ease commerce between both countries. The nine-bedroom, five-bath estate is listed at $109,000 dollars.

There is one sticking point.

DeMoulin says one door in the residence has to absolutely stay bolted shut at all times.

You step out that door and youre in Canada off the property and subject to be arrested, DeMoulin said.

Border patrol offices for both nations are right across the street. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agent Troy Rabideau spoke with CBS News.

Its always something we need to be cognizant of whos coming in whos going out. We do a pretty good job of monitoring it, Rabideau said.

I have a wonderful relationship with both sides, DeMoulin told us. I feel equally U.S. and Canadian.

DeMoulin has dual citizenship, but that perk wont come along with the deed.

And there is no avoiding property taxes. Both the U.S. and Canada will come calling.

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A home that straddles 2 countries: Unique house for sale - Wink News

Welcome, and thank you for visiting Top Shelf Appliance. We are an appliance repair service based in Federal Way, WA serving South King, Tacoma and Pierce County. With more than 12 years of appliance repair industry experience, Top Shelf is a locally owned business that you can trust to fix any and all of your appliance needs.

Here at Top Shelf we know the important role that household appliances, both big and small, play in making sure that your home is running efficiently. Whether its a refrigerator, washing machine or anything in between, when your household appliances stop working properly the results can get messy, fast. In some cases, dishes may begin to pile up, laundry is left undone and food begins to spoil. Thats why its important to call an experienced, trustworthy appliance repair service right away.

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With more than 12 years of service technician experience specializing in refrigerator repair, washer and dryer repair, oven repairs, dishwasher repairs, icemaker repairs, and other major kitchen appliance repairs. If its broken, we can fix it and we're only a phone call away!

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Appliance Repair Service | Tacoma, WA

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Are you sick of contending with a malfunctioning household appliance in order to get the performance you need? Have you been experiencing a lapse in energy efficiency or desirable results when your major appliances are in use? Appliances are supposed to make modern living more convenient and comfortable, but an appliance malfunction can do just the opposite. If you're in the midst of an inconvenient performance issue with one of your appliances, you should call All Appliance Repair right away. With over three decades of experience in the appliance repair trade, I'm the expert technician you can trust for a variety of appliance repair services. From washer-dryer repair to refrigerator repair to air conditioner repair, I do it all! Call now to learn about the extremely affordable rates and exceptional turnaround times available from All Appliance Repair.

Founded by William Doyle in 1985, All Appliance Repair is Pittsburgh's answer for a variety of impeccable appliance repair services. I have more than 35 years of hands-on training and experience serving the surrounding communities with top-notch handiwork, fast turnaround times, and professional serviceall at a price that won't blow your budget. Whether you'd like expert washer-dryer repair so you can stop dragging your dirty clothes to the laundromat or you need emergency refrigerator repair to keep all of your meat and dairy products from spoiling, you'll be able to count on me for prompt, personal attention.

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For your complete protection and peace of mind, All Appliance Repair is fully licensed, insured, and certified by the EPA to work with Freon. I also offer emergency services, free service calls with repairs, 30-day labor warranties, and various manufacturers warranties, ultimately providing you with some of the most satisfying and long-lasting appliance repair services in Pittsburgh. Call or e-mail me today to schedule an appointment!

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Carter Services in Torrance, CA is the South Bays largest and most trusted name in appliance repairand service. We have a very experienced and skilled staff of technicians that come to you. Each technician arrives at your home in a well-equipped and well-stocked vehicle. We want to make sure that we get your appliance repairand services done right by using the right tools. We also want to make just one trip to your home. This saves you time and inconvenience, and that is as important to us as it is to you.

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Appliance Repair | Appliance Service & Repair Torrance CA

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. Henrico firefighters responded to a call for a possible gas leak in a Henrico County apartment complex Friday afternoon.

Fire officials said they received a call at 4:30 p.m. for an apartment in the 2300 block of Hampstead Avenue, near the intersection of Broad Street and Libbie Avenue.

Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke coming from the roof and immediately requested additional units to assist with the fire.

Firefighters were able to rapidly locate and control the fire, which initiated in a utility closet and then extended up into attic in the apartment above, Henrico Fire spokesman Capt. Taylor Goodman said. The incident was brought under control in less than 40 minutes. Personnel worked to ensure that the fire had not extended further than the area of origin.

There were no injuries in during the fire.

Goodman said that it appears the fire began when work was being done on a gas line leading to an appliance. The investigation is ongoing.

Officials say the apartment may not be inhabitable for the short term.

37.505933 -77.332443

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Appliance repair appears to be cause of Henrico apartment fire - wtvr.com

Hugo, Colo., is home to no more than 850 residents, but has a beloved hospital where staff members know most of their patients by name. To survive financially, the hospital depends on payments from Medicaid, a program that faces deep cuts in the GOP health bill. Hart Van Denburg/CPR hide caption

Hugo, Colo., is home to no more than 850 residents, but has a beloved hospital where staff members know most of their patients by name. To survive financially, the hospital depends on payments from Medicaid, a program that faces deep cuts in the GOP health bill.

When you pull into Hugo, a town 100 miles east of Denver on Highway 287, you're greeted by one grocery store, one restaurant, one liquor store, one historic railroad roundhouse, two bars and a single antique store by the name of Main Street Mama's.

Linda Orrell runs the antique store, Main Street Mama's, on 4th Street in Hugo. John Daley/CPR hide caption

"I am the Main Mama, I am indeed," says Linda Orrell, who runs the shop.

Sitting on a bar stool in what used to be an old pool hall, Orrell says Hugo is pretty small "about 825, or so, maybe 850 [people] on a good year."

The population has held steady for a long time, she says, because it's a good place to live.

"It's a town that people tend to come back to, to retire" Orrell says. "And it is home."

There's something else you'll find in Hugo: one regional hospital. Town residents are very proud of their hospital, but changes to the Affordable Care Act could reduce its funding and force it to cut back services.

The Lincoln Community Hospital and Care Center in Hugo is the only hospital within a 75- or 100-mile radius, or so, on Colorado's Eastern Plains. John Daley/CPR hide caption

The Lincoln Community Hospital and Care Center in Hugo is the only hospital within a 75- or 100-mile radius, or so, on Colorado's Eastern Plains.

From the outside, Lincoln Community Hospital looks more like a small 1960s-era apartment building. But it has all the essential high-tech health care equipment: modern imaging machines, tele-medicine links even an AirLife helicopter. Rachel Smith, the assistant director of nursing, says the thing that really sets the hospital apart is the quality of its care.

"It's definitely not treat 'em and street 'em," Smith says. "It's definitely somebody you're going to see maybe even later that day, later that week."

Smith grew up in Hugo. Her mom, Linda Messer, is the lab director and says what defines the hospital is the sense of community that comes with being in a small town. "The thing that I like best about rural health is that I get to take care of all my friends and family," Messer says. "So it's rare that I don't know everyone that I take care of."

The close connections are apparent throughout the hospital. In one room, recovering from back surgery, is 86-year-old retiree Ken Sterling. He was in the Navy, then did appliance repair and even served as mayor of Hugo. Sterling's dad edited the local paper, the Eastern Colorado Plainsman and helped build the hospital back in the '50s. There's a reason Lincoln Community is in Hugo it's roughly 100 miles to Denver and roughly 100 miles to the nearest hospital near the Kansas-Colorado border.

Ken Sterling, a former mayor of Hugo, was recently a patient at Lincoln Community Hospital. "There are an awful lot of people who depend on this place," he says including people who live all over the county, and truckers and other drivers who pass by on the nearby interstate. John Daley/CPR hide caption

Ken Sterling, a former mayor of Hugo, was recently a patient at Lincoln Community Hospital. "There are an awful lot of people who depend on this place," he says including people who live all over the county, and truckers and other drivers who pass by on the nearby interstate.

"I don't know how much you've driven out in this part of the country," Sterling says, "but there's a whole lot of nothing. People have a tendency to get a lead foot there are a lot of car accidents."

Officially there are a little over 5,500 residents in all of Lincoln County that's a population density of about two people per square mile. But Interstate 70 is only about 15 miles north of town, so a lot of people in cars and trucks pass through the area.

"There are an awful lot of people that depend on this place," Sterling says of the hospital. "And I'm not talking of people that work here. I'm talking about people that get care here."

People like Ted Lyons, who had to be hospitalized because of an infection. Lyons is 69 and was a cattle rancher and a Republican county commissioner for more than a decade. He's been watching a lot of C-SPAN on TV recently, including the push to replace the Affordable Care Act. Lyons says he'd like President Trump to visit Hugo's hospital.

"I thought I'd write a letter to Trump and see if he was flying over in his helicopter," Lyons says. "He could land down on the helipad and come [see] what a real hospital is about."

Lyons agrees with Trump that Obamacare needs to change; that it "leaves too many loopholes." As the co-owner of one of the two bars in town, Lyons hears lots of stories from locals, including one couple who saw their insurance premiums skyrocket.

"They said their insurance went from $400 a month to $1,200 a month and then that outfit quit," says Lyons. "So they were totally without insurance."

Like half of Lincoln Community Hospital's patients, Lyons is covered by Medicare. One chronic problem for the hospital is that its reimbursement from Medicare doesn't cover the full cost of the services it provides.

The hospital also receives and depends on Medicaid payments, and that program is facing deep cuts under the Senate health bill now under consideration.

Lyons was on the hospital's board when it nearly had to shut down a couple of decades ago. He says he wants lawmakers to work together to keep the parts of Obamacare that work and fix funding for hospitals.

"You don't drown the duck to get a feather out of him," Lyons says.

Sterling says he also supports whatever helps save his hometown hospital.

"Don't even talk about losing this place!" Sterling says. "That would be a tragedy. Really."

Both men know that making the finances work for rural hospitals is tricky. As Congress works to change the health system once more, many small town facilities like Lincoln Community Hospital are on thin ice.

This story is part of NPR's reporting partnership with Colorado Public Radio and Kaiser Health News.

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Health Bill Could Undercut This Rural Hospital And Community ... - NPR